GB18421-2001
Marine biological quality
海洋生物质量
GB 18421-2001 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Marine biological quality. It appears in the Environment compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Mar 1, 2002.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard applies to the evaluation of marine biological quality using marine shellfish (bivalves) as monitoring organisms in China's jurisdictional waters. It covers both naturally grown and artificially cultured marine shellfish. It is mandatory for assessing marine environmental quality across various sea area usage functions.
Technical requirements
The standard classifies marine biological quality into three categories based on sea area usage functions and environmental protection goals. Category 1 applies to marine fishery waters and nature reserves, Category 2 to general industrial and tourism areas, and Category 3 to port waters and marine development zones. It specifies sensory requirements for shellfish, demanding normal growth, activity, and absence of oil contamination or abnormal odors. The standard also sets strict limits on harmful substances, including heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, lead, chromium, arsenic, copper, and zinc. Additionally, the standard regulates organic pollutants such as petroleum hydrocarbons, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). Microbiological indicators like fecal coliforms and biotoxins such as paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) are also strictly controlled. Compliance with these contaminant thresholds is essential for environmental assessments.
Testing methods
Testing procedures involve sensory evaluation and specific analytical methods for contaminants. Microbiological tests, such as the fermentation method for fecal coliforms, and the mouse bioassay for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP), are required. Chemical analysis relies heavily on atomic absorption spectrophotometry (cold atom, flame, and non-flame methods) for heavy metals, and gas chromatography for organochlorine pesticides like HCH and DDT. These methods align with the GB 17378 series for marine monitoring. Accurate sample collection and storage are critical for valid test results.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 18421-2001?
It regulates the quality of marine shellfish (bivalves) used as bioindicators for marine environmental monitoring in China, covering both natural and farmed populations.
Is GB 18421-2001 a mandatory standard?
Yes, all technical content in this standard is mandatory for applicable marine areas and environmental assessments.
How are marine biological quality categories determined?
Categories are based on the sea area's usage function, ranging from Category 1 for fisheries and reserves to Category 3 for port waters and marine development zones.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 18421-2001. To ensure complete compliance for your products entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 18421-2001 today to access all detailed parameters, tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Environmental protection
- CCS
- Z50
- ICS
- 13.060.01
- Competent department
- Ministry of Natural Resources (Marine)
- Technical committee
- National Technical Committee on Marine of Standardization Administration of China